Correspondence: Rodney T. Cohen, Presbyterian College Multicultural Student Affairs PO Box 975 Clinton, SC 29325, USA. Phone: +1 864 833 8554; Fax: + 1 864 833 8516; Email: rcohen@presby.edu

¹is Director of Multicultural Student Affairs at Presbyterian College in South Carolina. He is a graduate of Clark College (GA) and Western Kentucky University and also holds a doctorate in higher education administration from the Peabody College of Vanderbilt University. His interests include alumni giving traditions at historically black colleges, the role of alumni and alumni associations at black colleges, and black alumni affinity groups at majority institutions.

Received 25 March 2008; Revised 25 March 2008.

Abstract

Throughout their history many black colleges, also referred to as Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), have struggled to maintain financial footing. This paper explores the history of alumni involvement in HBCUs and highlights their importance for future success.